Today, April 18, former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario passed away. He was 83.
He served as DFA secretary from 2011 to 2016 during the term of former president Benigno Aquino III. Under Del Rosario, the Philippines secured its historic arbitral victory against China, claiming the latter violated our country's rights over the West Philippine Sea.
Before taking on the role of secretary, Del Rosario also served as the Philippine Ambassador to the United States from 2001 to 2006. He was able to secure USD1.2B for the country, which funded counterterrorism efforts in Mindanao, brought investments in the BPO industry, and gave greater access to Philippine exports.
The ex-DFA secretary also chaired Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank that analyzes the economic, social, strategic, and political issues influencing the entire Indo-Pacific.
Del Rosario is a recipient of the highest award for civilians: the Order of Sikatuna, with the Rank of Datu, conferred by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004. He also holds the Philippine Army & EDSA II Heroes Awards and is a Xavier Hall of Famer.
He is survived by his wife Gretchen and children Albert Jr., Hans Louis, Margaret, and Ingeborg Regina.
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